Usenet backup is the method of storing backup data on the usenet. [1] Initially the usenet only stored and forwarded text messages, but over time it also became possible to store and forward binary files. Some people use usenet to distribute large file sets like DVD's. This method uses usenet in a different way then forwarding data to many users. It uses usenet to store data for one user.
Commercial providers offer more ease of use online backup services, but storing data on the usenet is free of charge. However, you need access to the usenet first. With the growing retention time from usenet providers and the growing internet upload speed, it became practical to store backup data on usenet. This method requires the user to manually select, prepare and upload the data. [2]
Because anyone can potentially download the private backup, the data is encrypted. But after the files are uploaded, the uploader does not have any control over it.
The files are automatically copied to all the usenet providers. So there are mulitple copies spread over different geographical locations around the world. Therefor you don't rely on one provider to gain access to your backup. Each provider has it own quality of service, like retention time and completeness (corruption) of files. The corruption of files is being compensated by parchive files.